Authorities seek identification of stolen cards suspect
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who used credit cards swiped from a stolen car in South Fort Myers.
According to the victim, she left her purse in her locked vehicle at a restaurant on US 41 around 10:30 p.m. Jan. 22. When she returned to her vehicle, the only thing she found was shattered glass.
Deputies quickly found the stolen car abandoned behind a nearby Publix, with the passengers side window smashed out. However the victim’s purse, containing personal identification, cash and credit cards, were missing.
It was soon learned that an unknown man tried to use both cards in the Lehigh area between 5 and 5:30 a.m. Jan. 23.
His first stop was at a Wal-Mart, at which the card was declined, with a second attempt at a Shell gas station on Palm Beach Boulevard, in which he was successful once, but denied on a subsequent try.
Surveillance cameras captured images of the man, and Crime Stoppers is hoping someone will be able to place a name with the face.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Tips may also be made online at: “http://www.swflcrimestoppers.org”>www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.